Administered by U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, and Citizen Corps, Johnson is being honored for exemplary community and youth preparedness programming as demonstrated through his organization’s commitment to family literacy in Orleans Parish elementary schools.

Annually, the national Individual and Community Preparedness Awards highlight achievements that utilize innovative techniques to prepare people for disasters and help make cities more resilient.

“First and foremost, I try to approach things from a starting point of thanks and appreciation, after all – my middle initials mean “grateful warrior” and so I thank the agencies responsible for taking the time to observe the mission of Team Happy Foundation, which is to inspire the next generation of first responders. For us, it’s about equipping our vulnerable youth with the necessary tools to be prepared for the unexpected.”

Johnson also added: “I am extremely proud of our long-term team of volunteers and how far we’ve come in about 9 years. Through teamwork, we’ve sought to break the glass ceiling and further diversify the emergency management industry; we’ve also utilized unique resources to help support the most neglected children in New Orleans. This award illuminates our dynamic youth preparedness program as a sustainable framework for impact. And so I’m grateful for the lessons learned toward a shared future of progress.”

FEMA Region 6 Administrator George A. Robinson stated: “Your program’s success in teaching preparedness practices to young people through reading programs will help us reach our goal of promoting preparedness across America’s communities. We commend you for your service and innovation. Your program continues to serve as a model for communities everywhere. Thank you and everyone in your foundation for your continued professionalism and enthusiasm. We at FEMA Region 6 are proud of the robust presence of preparedness efforts from partners like you throughout the region.” FEMA received more than 230 nominations representing 43 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Three months after Hurricane Katrina and the flood wall failures, Team Happy Foundation, formerly Blanket New Orleans, Inc., was on the ground delivering cleaning supplies and essentials to residents. THF has supported each phase of our renaissance, honoring the 1,836 lives lost and fighting for families too often excluded from the process. Today, we have one mission: to inspire the next generation of first responders and wetland scientists.